ChrisKunitz believes young players getting some extra time in the AHL as a result of the lockout is a good thing for their development.

Kunitz was a part of the 2004-05 lockout, spending that season with the Ducks' AHL affiliate. "[Playing in the AHL] probably did help me," Kunitz said. "The quality of play was a little better because of the young guys who [otherwise] were going to play in the NHL. That team in Cincinnati, I think 20 guys ended up playing in the NHL. It was beneficial because you were just learning the game, and maybe you weren't thrown into it so quickly." For now, the 33-year-old is practicing on a line with Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis, while spending extra time with his family.